The vet has planned to camp on beaches every night and is working with Surfers Against Sewage, a charity that protects marine life, during her journey.

She said: “Picking up plastic in the ocean is difficult because you have limited space on the board. Whenever I pass a bottle or plastic bag I will pick it up.

“I’ll be counting all the plastic I collect along the way and collecting water samples to test. I think this is important as it could really make a difference- I’ll be passing so many different bodies of water along the coast”.

“I’m going to organise beach cleanups with the locals to try encourage that community spirit.”

“I’ve prepared physically but mentally it will be hard.

“The ocean is forever changing- with ridiculous conditions, the wildlife and the incredible beauty.”

Cal aims to make as little impact to the environment as possible and plans to go completely plastic free, particularly in cutting out single-use packaging.

She said: “It’s going to be tough. I’m away for four months and will need as much calories as possible because I’ll gain my energy from food.

“It’s so hard to find snacks I can take and that will keep that don’t use plastic.

“In preparation I’ve been dehydrating food to take with me and have been working with a couple of companies that use compostable packaging. I’ll rely on people bringing me fresh rations.

“I’ve also been using toiletries from companies who make soap and deodorant without packaging.”

Although the main message of Paddle Against Plastic is to raise awareness of ocean pollution, any money raised throughout the exhibitions will go to Samaritans and Vetlife, a charity close to Cal’s heart.

At the end of last year Cal’s best friend, a fellow vet, lost her battle with depression.

She was a trustee for Vetlife which supports everyone in the veterinary community.

Sadly, vets are three to four times more likely to commit suicide than any other profession due to issues such as compassion fatigue- a state experienced by those helping people or animals in distress.

She added: “It’s a really important charity as it is a safety net for vets.”

“Nature can bring so much to our mental well-being and I think this to relates to the mental health crisis”.

Follow Paddle Against Plastic’s 2018 expedition: Stand-up paddleboarding from Lands End to John O’Groats on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaddleVsPlastic/?hc_ref=ARS4GjCADUpX8Weo3A3Ig8xcnuZ9e3xrvjTpK4D1L3cLO1fxM3xtC7fNMaSLa4OL4XY&fref=nf